Homecoming 2014: Scots all over the world unite to remember their native ancestry

IN argulably Scotland’s most important year, with the Indepdendence referendum, the Commonwealth Games, the Ryder Cup and anniversary of Bannockburn all taking place, there’s never been a better time to visit the country.

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Phil Dye

The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will be one of many important events happening in Scotland this year

THEY came from every corner of the globe on a pilgrimage to trace family, walk in the steps of forefathers, or to to remember the land of their youth.

For every single Scot in their native land, there are thought to be at least five more overseas who can claim Scottish ancestry.

In the first Homecoming Year, in 2009, thousands with a passion or connection to Scotland, came home.

Emotions were mixed. For many it was a quiet affair, without fanfare, simply an emotional journey to remember where they came from while others embraced the chance to engulf themselves in their cultural heritage, such as joining the 8000-strong Clan Gathering march through Edinburgh.

But this year is arguably Scotland’s most important year, with the Independence referendum, the Commonwealth Games, the Ryder Cup and anniversary of Bannockburn all taking place - and we can expect an estimated 70,000 people will make the journey ‘home’.

With a year-long programme of events and activities to showcase all that’s great about Scotland, there’s never been a better time to visit Scotland.

Here, we speak to some of the people who have already made the trip.

Dr Ian Frazer, left

Dr Ian Frazer, 61, left Edinburgh in 1981 to go to Australia on a two year working visit that has lasted a lifetime.

The talented scientist is the man behind the life-saving cervical cancer vaccine and in 2006, despite being a proud Scot, he was named Australian of the Year for his pioneering work on the wonder vaccine.

“I regard Scotland with fond memories of the times I spent here in my youth. I loved hill walking, being a student in Edinburgh, and my friends,” he says.

“We always look forward to visits back and it’s still in some sense a home although we no longer have a home there.”

But more than half Dr Frazer’s life has been spent in Australia and it’s where he and wife Caroline have had three sons, Jamie, Andrew and Callum.

Despite over 30 years abroad, Dr Frazer still has his pronounced Scots accent.

“Home is now Brisbane although it’s very nice to come back to Scotland but we see ourselves as Australian these days,” he adds.

“But I miss the purple covered hills and the four seasons and when I am in Scotland I feel as though I’m home.”

Kristin Smith Ladewig from St Louis, Missouri,came to Scotland in 2009 for the Homecoming

Kristin Smith Ladewig, 43, from St Louis, Missouri, made an emotional trip to Scotland to retrace the steps of her forefathers.

“I’d always wanted to visit the area where my great grandfather came from in Aberdeenshire and the Homecoming was the perfect time to make the trip.”

With the help of a local farmer Kristin was able to find the ruined croft where her great-grandfather was born.

“For genealogists in America it’s one thing to know a country where an ancestor came from and if you’re really lucky you might find the town, but to find the actual property is amazing,” she says.

“Standing amongst the ruined stones was spine tingling.

“The local farmer who showed us the way was a wonderful story teller with a great deal of knowledge about the area and the history and what it would have been like to have been a crofter at that time, in the 1800s.

“The croft was my second grandparents and great grandfather was born there, and later emigrated to America.

“It was emotional for me and definitely gave me a real appreciation for what the landscape was like.

“Having been able to see the locations has it brought it all to life and has left me with fond memories and I now feel a much stronger connection to my Scottish roots.”

Betsy Mitchell Shepherd, from California, who visited Scotland for the 2009 Homecoming

Betsy Mitchell Shepherd, 57, from California, will never forget joining her clan parade through the streets of Edinburgh this year.

“My ancestors came to the US from Dunoon in 1889 and I’ve always been truly proud that I am of Scottish descent,” she says.

She made her trip back here to join take part in the Gathering and to carry out genealogy research.

On the day of the parade Betsy joined the Innes clan, of which Mitchell is connected.

“People gave our Innes clan huge cheers because we were only three. The joy and excitement I felt in the clan parade filled my heart and soul with happiness.

“It was inspirational to be part of something so grand and so significant and I loved every minute of it.”

Back in California, Betsy says she’ll never forget her Homecoming trip.

“My son plays the bagpipes, and I am thrilled that he does. He is proud of his heritage too, and I hope he passes it along to his own family someday and I look forward to more visits to Scotland.”

Rosemary Miles, 71, emigrated to Australia in 1957 with her Scottish mum but it wasn’t until she returned that truly connected with her history.

“I was born in England but I’ve always put a lot of importance on my Scottish blood and identified with my mothers Scottish side of the family more,” she says.

Visiting Scotland fulfilled the dream of a lifetime.

Rosemary had already traced her maternal family tree back to the mid 18th century and discovered they were from the Borders and around Perthshire and knew she was related to the Urquhart’s on her grandfathers side, and Lawrie’s on her grandmothers side.

But recent research revealed one great grandmother was actually transported to Australia as a convict in 1848, which none of the family had known about.

“I ended up walking with her clan at The Gathering, which I will never forget,” she says.

“I also stood in front of the house in which my mother was born in Leith, passed the church where my grandparents were married and found the grave of my great great great grandparents and great great grandparents in Chirnside. It was truly a journey into my heritage.

“I have to admit I stood there and cried and it was very emotional.”

Mirza Muminovic, 41, from Sarajevo in Bosnia has no Scottish relatives or blood, but he counts himself as an honorary member of Scotland’s extended family.

He explains: “Ten years ago I met some of Scotland’s Tartan Army fans who came to Sarajevo for a match against Bosnia.

“We kept in touch and a year later I went to see Scotland play Croatia in Zagreb.

“A year after that I came to Scotland and stayed for two weeks with friends from the Tartan Army and since then I’ve been to 18 Scotland games - five in Glasgow and 13 abroad.

“I have been an official member of Scotland supporters club for eight years and I am the founder and - so far - only member of the Sarajevo Tartan Army.”

Mirza, who works as an English interpreter, made a whistle stop tour of Glasgow and Edinburgh to mark the Homecoming.

“I only had two days but I knew I simply must be there on this special year for Scotland,” he says.

“I have no family connection to Scotland at all but the Tartan Army really are great ambassadors abroad and after I came here I simply fell in love.”

Every St Andrews Day Mirza proudly wears his kilt – handmade by his mother Nafija, with some Macdonald tartan found in a shop in Sarajevo and sewed following instructions from the internet.

“It’s a perfect kilt and no one can believe it was made by my mother,” he adds.